By Denise A. Pancyrz – Diabetes Reversal & Holistic Lifestyle Coach, Speaker, Author
When acid reflux begins, the first step to relief is Tums and Rolaids. When that no longer seems to work, patients turn to medications like proton-pump inhibitors. At first, this seems like a good choice as it can relieve symptoms.
Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) are medications for constant acid reflux referred to as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), peptic ulcer disease and non-ulcer indigestion. Over the last several decades, they have been one of the most widely prescribed drugs. However, are they truly needed and worth taking?
The range of PPIs prescribed are both over the counter and prescription:
• Omeprazole (Prilosec)
• Esomeprazole (Nexium)
• Lansoprazole (Prevacid)
• Rabeprazole (AcipHex)
• Pantoprazole (Protonix)
How do PPIs work?
They reduce stomach acid, thereby, reducing acid reflux into the esophagus relieving heartburn symptoms.
It appears short-term use may not be an issue. Based on an observational study, the risk of developing diabetes using PPIs for up to two years increases by 5%. PPIs used for more than two years showed a marked increase by 26%. Stopping the medication is likely to reduce the risk of diabetes.
Long-term use of PPIs has been associated with vitamin B12 and zinc deficiency. Metformin, a widely prescribed drug for diabetes and prediabetes, is also known to inhibit the absorption of vitamin B12. Consider if the combination of drugs increases the probability of absorption issues.
Data suggests that PPI users have a 40% higher risk of magnesium deficiency. After discontinuing use of the PPIs, levels appear to normalize within a couple of weeks. However, deficiency occurred again after restarting the medication.
Long-term and/or high-dose users may be at risk of a 41% reduction in calcium absorption increasing fractures to the hip, spine, and wrist. And it was found with omeprazole users in a 2016 and 2017 study in Brazil that there was a 70.6% progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Couple this with the effects of diabetes and it may exacerbate kidney issues.
What is the importance of the digestive tract?
Vitamins and minerals are absorbed and processed in the digestive tract. Stomach acid is designed to break down food so nutrients can be delivered. It is a balancing act, just like everything else in your metabolism. The food we eat and the beverages we consume are a direct impact on our digestive health. When that goes awry, people can also experience stomach pain, bloating, IBS, fatigue, difficulty in losing weight, and it can also be a driving issue for joint pain, headaches, and migraines.
Stomach acid is also needed to disable bacteria and viruses. When stomach acid is dramatically reduced by PPIs, there is an associated risk for intestinal infections, community-acquired pneumonia, and dementia due to your inability to efficiently break down food.
Is medication my only option?
Digestive issues are commonplace today for those with and without diabetes. Diabetic gastroparesis is a condition that can develop where chronically high glucose levels damage blood vessels supplying nerves and organs with nutrients and oxygen. In this case, PPIs may not be your best choice. Understanding the cause of your heartburn or GERD can determine the proper medication needed, if any, or food elimination being your healthiest option.
There is a reason that PPIs are the most widely prescribed medication, it is an easy way to get short-term relief. The high use of PPIs is in line with the decades of high consumption of unhealthy food or food sensitivities. Dietary changes may not seem to be an appetizing way to get relief. In the end, it may be the most effective and the safest for your long-term health.
So, let’s get that balance back in your life!
Webinar | Heal Diabetes with the Power of Food
Wed., Feb. 10, 2021 at 11:00 AM ET – Free
• Do you have a hard time deciding the food you should eat versus what you want to eat?
• Have you realized you may be out eating what your diabetes medication can do for you?
Food as medicine and the revelatory side benefits. Learn which foods can sabotage your efforts and why counting carbs may be a gimmick.
Visit www.ReverseMyDiabetes.net for coaching and training information, to set a free consultation, or to set up a speaking event.
Call (888) 848-1763
Email Denise@ReverseMyDiabetes.net.